Now that he is on the active roster, cornerback Cam Sutton will have six weeks to make a contribution to the Steelers' rookie class.

He has some catching up to do.

T.J. Watt has started at right outside linebacker since the first game of the season. JuJu Smith-Schuster, if not always getting the starting designation on the stat sheet, is getting regular playing time at the Z and slot receiver spots.

James Conner is backing up franchise running back Le'Veon Bell and playing regularly on special teams.

That's two regular contributors and one reserve player among a rookie class that also includes cornerback Brian Allen, who has seen limited special teams snaps in four games.

The only rookies not to get on the field this year are Sutton, third-string quarterback Joshua Dobbs and seventh-rounder Keion Adams, who remains on injured reserve.

His classmates' contributions to the Steelers' 8-2 record have not gone unnoticed to Sutton, the first of two third-round picks for the Steelers.

“It motivates me to keep doing what I'm doing,” he said. “Whenever I get the opportunity, I have to be ready to go.”

Sutton was placed on injured reserve after injuring his hamstring in the preseason finale at Carolina. He was cleared to practice Oct. 31, opening a three-week window for the Steelers to add him to the active roster. He was activated Tuesday but has been given no assurances of immediate playing time by coach Mike Tomlin.

“It hasn't been difficult at all,” Sutton said about the long wait. “I'm still around the team. I'm at all the meetings, all the practices. I'm getting mental work and physical reps, whatever it is at the moment.